The following symptoms and complaints may indicate knee joint effusion: Leading symptoms Joint swelling (swelling; lat. tumor). Arthralgia (pain in the affected joint) (pain; lat. dolor). Phenomenon of “dancing patella “Examination procedure: patient lies on a couch; the Recessus suprapatellaris (bursa in the area of the knee joint) is smoothed out, then the dancing patella … Knee Joint Effusion: Symptoms, Complaints, Signs
Pathogenesis (development of disease) The pathogenesis of joint effusion varies depending on the exact form of the effusion. The following forms of knee joint effusion can be distinguished: Fibrinous joint effusion – contains a fibrin, which is formed during blood clotting. Hemarthrosis – bloody joint effusion. Pyarthros – purulent joint effusion Serous joint effusion – … Knee Joint Effusion: Causes
General measures As a rule, when a joint effusion occurs, immobilization and rest with cooling and elevation of the joint should be observed.(PECH scheme: “P” rest, rest, immobilization: “E” ice/cooling; “C” compression e.g. elastic bandage; “H” elevation above heart level). Later, careful mobilization can then be started.
The following are the most important diseases or complications that may be contributed to by knee joint effusion: Musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (M00-M99). Exacerbation (worsening) of existing medical conditions: Arthritis (inflammation of the joints), unspecified. Gout (arthritis urica/uric acid-related joint inflammation or tophic gout)/hyperuricemia (elevation of uric acid levels in the blood) Gonarthrosis (osteoarthritis … Knee Joint Effusion: Complications
A comprehensive clinical examination is the basis for selecting further diagnostic steps: General physical examination – including blood pressure, pulse, body weight, height; furthermore: Inspection (viewing). Skin (normal: intact; abrasions/wounds, redness, hematomas (bruises), scars) and mucous membranes. Gait (fluid, limping). Body or joint posture (upright, bent, gentle posture). Malpositions (deformities, contractures, shortenings). Muscle atrophies (side … Knee Joint Effusion: Examination
2nd order laboratory parameters – depending on the results of the history, physical examination and obligatory laboratory parameters – for differential diagnostic clarification. Joint puncture with bacteriological, microscopic and chemical/immunological examination. Inflammatory parameters – CRP (C-reactive protein) – if arthritis is suspected. Uric acid in blood serum / joint punctate. Rheumatism diagnostics – ESR (blood … Knee Joint Effusion: Test and Diagnosis
Therapeutic target Pain relief Therapy recommendations Analgesia (pain relief) during diagnosis until definitive therapy according to WHO staging scheme: Non-opioid analgesic (paracetamol, first-line agent). Low-potency opioid analgesic (e.g., tramadol) + non-opioid analgesic. High-potency opioid analgesic (eg, morphine) + non-opioid analgesic. If necessary, administration of an anti-inflammatory drug / drug that inhibits inflammatory processes. See also … Knee Joint Effusion: Drug Therapy
Optional medical device diagnostics – depending on the results of the history, physical examination, and obligatory laboratory parameters – for differential diagnostic clarification. Sonography (ultrasound examination) of the affected joint. X-ray of the affected joint – if bony involvement is suspected. Computed tomography (CT; sectional imaging procedure (X-ray images taken from different directions with computer-based … Knee Joint Effusion: Diagnostic Tests
Surgical therapy depends on the underlying condition. This may be indicated for injuries to the knee joint.Irrigation may be necessary for bacterial infections of the knee joint. Joint punctures may be indicated for symptomatic therapy with pressure reduction in addition to diagnosis.
To prevent knee joint effusion, attention must be paid to reducing individual risk factors. Behavioral risk factors Physical activity Sports with risk of joint injury such as soccer, skiing, etc.
The medical history (history of the patient) represents an important component in the diagnosis of knee joint effusion. Family history Social history What is your occupation? Current medical history/systemic history (somatic and psychological complaints). Are you experiencing pain? If yes, when does the pain occur? Where is the pain localized? Do you have a pain-related … Knee Joint Effusion: Medical History
Blood, blood-forming organs – immune system (D50-D90). Hemophilia (hemophilia). Musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (M00-M99). Arthritis (inflammation of the joints), unspecified. Gout (arthritis urica/uric acid-related joint inflammation or tophic gout)/hyperuricemia (elevation of uric acid levels in the blood) Gonarthrosis (osteoarthritis of the knee joint) Rheumatoid arthritis (chronic polyarthritis) – most common inflammatory disease of the … Knee Joint Effusion: Or something else? Differential Diagnosis
